Pasito a Pasito: 5 Lessons Beyond the Finish Line

With each step and every breath, I’ve discovered a journey that goes beyond just a physical transformation. I recently completed my third half marathon and if you know me well you are probably as surprised as I am about this achievement. On December 2nd I completed the OUC Orlando Half, the crazy thing is that I did not only completed it but shaved 16 minutes from last year’s completion time. This achievement is not just a testament to an endurance I did not even imagine I had in me, but a narrative of personal growth, resilience, and unexpected lessons that I have been able to apply to both my personal and professional life.

As I write this, I’m anxiously refreshing my email to see if I got into the 2024 Chicago Marathon through their lottery and reflecting on the profound impact that running has had in my life. You see, not so long ago, the idea of running more than a mile seemed as distant as a marathon finish line. A sedentary shift in my routine during remote work introduced me to the world of running. What began as a “small” goal to participate in a Disney race has now evolved into a journey of self-discovery and determination. Training for that race required a commitment that mirrored the dedication I once poured into the classroom as a professor, juggling multiple roles and constant mobility. The pandemic and my career shift to the non-profit world working remotely, might have altered the physical movements between classrooms, but it sparked a motion that set me on the path of becoming a runner.

I started training in September of 2021, back then running for even a minute felt impossible. Fast forward to December 2023, and the steps taken – both literal and metaphorical – have been monumental. Using the services of a coach, I delved into months of disciplined training. The progress I've made in completing multiple 5ks and 10ks, along with three half-marathons and more planned for 2024, is evident not just in my race times but also in a significant transformation that goes beyond the racecourse. Running, once an unexplored territory for someone that has been always more comfortable with books and numbers, has become a source of valuable lessons that I'd like to share with you.

Lesson #1 Consistency is Key

Just like sticking to a workout routine is crucial for improving your running, it's the same in the workplace. Some days, finding motivation is tough, especially when managing work, family, and friends. But here's the key – consistency is what leads to growth and success over time.

There's a saying that discipline takes you where motivation can't. It's those daily pushes, even when they seem small, that really make a difference. Think about it in the workplace – meeting deadlines, doing your best each day, and steadily improving your skills. These consistent efforts add up and pave the way for success, much like each step in your training routine builds endurance. So, whether you're on the track or in the office, remember, it's the small, consistent efforts that bring about meaningful results.

Lesson #2 The Importance of Setting Goals

I started with the goal of completing a 10k, now my goal is to complete a full marathon. Goals are important, not only when running but also in the workplace. Setting clear and achievable objectives is a catalyst for driving motivation and productivity.

Just as each race became a tangible goal in my running journey—something to strive for, overcome, and ultimately celebrate—having well-defined goals in the professional realm acts as a roadmap, guiding your efforts and providing a sense of purpose. For instance, setting targets for project completion, skill development, or career milestones not only fuels your personal motivation but also enhances team dynamics.

Conversely, the absence of clear goals can impede growth. Running without a finish line in mind diminishes my drive to improve. Similarly, in the workplace, not having defined goals can result in a lack of direction and hinder both personal and collective advancement. Goals act like guiding lights, giving a sense of accomplishment when reached and driving continuous improvement. So, just as my running journey thrives on reaching new milestones, setting goals in the workplace becomes a key factor for lasting motivation, productivity, and overall success.

Lesson #3 Resilience

One of the most profound lessons I've gathered from running is the importance of resilience. In a race, resilience is a non-negotiable virtue as it empowers you to endure the physical and mental challenges encountered along the course. Whether facing fatigue, unexpected weather conditions, or the temptation to quit, resilience is the force that propels you forward, enabling you to push through the finish line.

This same resilience is equally indispensable in the workplace. Professional journeys are not without their hurdles—unexpected setbacks, tight deadlines, and demanding tasks are inevitable. Facing workplace challenges with resilience is like navigating the highs and lows of a race. It's about bouncing back from setbacks, maintaining focus despite obstacles, and persevering when the going gets tough.

Just as resilience in running turns obstacles into opportunities for growth, resilience in the workplace transforms challenges into chances for personal and professional development. The ability to weather storms, learn from setbacks, and stay determined amid adversity becomes a powerful asset that propels both your running endeavors and your career forward. Embracing resilience not only helps you cross the finish line in a race but also ensures that you triumph over obstacles in your professional journey.

Lesson #4 Learning to Balance Priorities

As a senior director at a non-profit, a mom, a friend, and a wife, my life is filled with many responsibilities and tasks. Managing my time effectively has become a personal journey of finding equilibrium among these diverse roles. Just as I carefully plan my runs, balancing work, family, and personal time requires intentional organization. It's not merely about completing tasks; it's a deliberate effort to ensure each aspect of my life receives the attention it deserves. Easier said than done, right?

In the realm of running, this translates into smartly slotting workouts into my busy schedule, acknowledging that a day doesn’t have an infinite number of hours (who needs sleep anyways?). The parallels extend seamlessly into my professional life, where time management is not just a routine but a guiding force. Prioritizing tasks ensures that I bring my best self to both my work and personal responsibilities, preventing burnout and fostering a sense of control.

Beyond being a tool for productivity, effective time management has become my compass—a personal strategy for maintaining balance and finding fulfillment in the various facets of my life journey. Just as pacing is crucial in a run, pacing my work tasks through strategic time allocation enhances focus and quality. Mastering this skill helps you balance your various roles, ensuring each receives the attention it deserves on the way to personal and professional achievements.

Lesson #5 You Can’t Do It Alone

Success is rarely a solo journey. Teamwork has been instrumental in both my running journey and the professional realm, offering a more efficient and enriching path to achieving one's potential. Drawing strength from running buddies and benefiting from the guidance of a coach vividly illustrates the significance of collective effort on the track. Shared challenges and victories create a motivating environment, demonstrating that individual and group success are intrinsically linked.

Applying this principle to the workplace, the importance of collaboration and support cannot be overstated. While individual efforts can yield progress, the collaborative concerted effort within a team accelerates productivity, fosters innovation, and cultivates a positive atmosphere. Each team member contributes unique strengths, ensuring that the collective effort surpasses what could be achieved independently. The analogy extends to recognizing the pivotal role of coaches and mentors—external guides whose expertise and constructive feedback accelerate personal and career development.

Recognizing that success involves collaboration emphasizes the need for mutual support, teamwork, and mentorship. While one could navigate the journey alone, the collective effort not only expedites progress but also contributes to unlocking one's full potential. This collaborative approach enhances the overall success of both the individual and the team in the workplace.

As I conclude this article, I find myself just receiving an email that regrettably informs me my marathon application wasn't among the selected ones. In the face of this disappointment, a bonus lesson emerges—I may feel sad and disheartened, but giving up is not an option. Now, I embark on the quest to explore other avenues to ensure I achieve my goal of completing a full marathon in 2024.

In the professional realm, setbacks and rejections are inevitable, much like this instance. However, resilience, adaptability, and the determination to explore alternative routes are crucial. It's not about the rejection but about the redirection of efforts towards new opportunities. Just as this email won't deter me from my marathon goal, workplace challenges won't stop my aspirations for professional growth.

As I share my running journey, I genuinely hope these lessons connect with you in your personal and work life. Whether you're training for a race, facing work challenges, or simply navigating life, my wish is that these insights motivate you to persevere. Every small step, or 'pasito', has the strength to aid your growth, adaptability, and triumph over your goals.